On October 26, 2023, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference, came to participate in the centenary celebration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Eastern Nigeria. Ahead of the November 4 celebration in Aba, Abia State, church leadership organized visits to Nigerian authorities.

In his special address, Pastor Wilson gave the formula for effectiveness in leadership and government as doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Speaking directly from Micah 6:8, he noted that every decision made by leaders in government or spiritual affairs should be grounded in justice and mercy and done in humility before God and the people. He expressed words of commendation: “Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you for the hospitality of your people and your commitment to be a government that truly serves the people.” 

Pastor Wilson also appealed to Governor Umo Bassey Eno to use the instrumentality of his office to encourage state institutions to provide alternative opportunities for Seventh-day Adventists and other Sabbath keepers to participate in elections, examinations, and community clean-up exercises outside Sabbath hours. “As Much as we acknowledge the commitment of your state and this nation to upholding citizens’ rights to religious freedom, I believe there is more that can be done.” He urged that the Sabbath issue was a matter of conscience and conviction, and as such, the rights of citizens to observe the Sabbath without hindrance or interference should be recognized and respected.

Governor Eno warmly received Pastor Wilson, as did his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Secretary to Government, Prince Enobong Uwa, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, and all the commissioners, permanent secretaries, and chairs of boards and parastatals.

Pastor Wilson acknowledged the graciousness of the governor and his cabinet in waiting to have the visit after it was delayed by more than two hours because of technical problems in his flight arrangement. He prayed God’s blessings and wisdom for the governor and his team.

In his remarks, Pastor Wilson also expressed his and the church's gratitude for the friendship and solidarity of ace industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who offered his private jet for use after the one provided by Dr. Deji Adeleke developed a minor technical setback. He praised God for the humility and magnanimity of both men and prayed for God's blessings on them.

On his part, Governor Eno thanked the GC president for dropping by with his team. “It is not all the time that the world leaders of Christian organizations come calling. We’re only about five months in office, so as world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, your visit is very significant for us, and we do not take it for granted,” he enthused.

Governor Eno pledged that he and his team will serve the people of Akwa Ibom with commitment, competence, and compassion, knowing they will give account to God on the day of judgment. He indicated that the philosophy of his government, which is informed by his strong Christian background and values, is anchored in the ARISE (Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management and Educational Advancement) agenda.

Pastor Wilson invited the governor to the October 28 Sabbath service held at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium as part of the activities lined up for the West-Central Africa Division Year-End Meeting. Other visits to the authorities were planned during the stay, which will end on November 5.

On the visit with Pastor Wilson were: his wife, Nancy; Elder George Egwakhe, GC associate treasurer, and his wife; officers of the West-Central Africa Division—Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu, Pastor Sessou Kwasi Selom, Elder Markus Musa Dangana, and their wives; officers of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference—Pastor Bassey Udoh, Pastor Onyebuchi Opara, and Elder Emmanuel Manilla; Prof. Ademola Tayo and Dr. Folorunso Akande, vice chancellor and bursar, respectively, of Babcock University; and Pastor Felix Anaba, Akwa Ibom Conference president,.

Pastor Wilson has been in Nigeria to lead the grand finale of the year-long celebration of 100 years of Adventism in Eastern Nigeria. He has, among other commemorative activities, attended the Year-End Council of the West-Central Africa Division, visited the uplink center of the Hope Channel International-led satellite evangelism in Port Harcourt, and will preside over the worship rally and Festival of Baptism on November 04, which will be the climax of the celebrations.

The Adventist Church in Nigeria has three union conferences with 312,175 members worshiping in 1,378 churches and 1,577 companies. The country has more than 223 million people, the largest population in Africa.